Many teams would be devastated after losing a Heisman Trophy winner, three-year starting quarterback and first-round wide receiver.
Not Ohio State. The offense had new faces in those positions, but the 1996 Buckeyes did not miss a beat. Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine split time at quarterback, and Pepe Pearson and Joe Montgomery filled the gaping hole left behind by Eddie George. Terry Glenn left, but Dimitrius Stanley, Buster Tillman and freshman David Boston gave the quarterback multiple receivers to target.
Fred Pagac's defense remained fast and aggressive.